O-shaped

by

28 October 2009

by Glyn Paflin

iStock

AN ORDER of service that “aims to recapture something of [the] Ad­vent longing and hope” reflected in the pre-Reformation service books has been published, with music, by the Royal School of Church Music.

The book, The Advent Sequence — Veni Emmanuel: An Advent carol service and Advent resources (RSCM, £7.95 (£7.15); 978-0-85402-170-3), has been compiled by David Ogden and Peter Moger, who were responsible for The Way of the Cross (Arts, 18 January 2008).

The service is meant, if possible, to involve movement from west to east in the church, and plays on the contrast between darkness and light. It is based on the “O” antiphons, printed in modern notation. For each, there is a related reading and musical reflec­tion through anthems, hymns (with descants), and songs.

The well-known matins respons­ory “I look from above” is included, as are closing responses set by Peter Moger, as well as his anthem “Where shall wisdom be found?” Stanford’s Benedictus from the Service in C is one of the more ambitious items in a range to suit varied resources and abilities.

Other contributions are by John Barnard, Jon Banks, Bernadette Farrell, George Guest, Graham Kendrick, Simon Lole, Peter Moger, David Ogden, Margaret Rizza, and David Shepherd.